Aptiom (Eslicarbazepine) for Epilepsy

Aptiom is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 for the treatment of partial seizures in adults. Aptiom may be added to a person’s existing medications when the current regimen is not effective enough in controlling seizures. Aptiom is also known by its drug name, Eslicarbazepine.

Aptiom should not be used by people who have previously shown hypersensitivity to Eslicarbazepine or Oxcarbazepine. Aptiom should be used with caution in people with a history of kidney or liver disease, mineral imbalance, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Aptiom is not be suitable for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Aptiom is not approved for use in people under the age of 18.

Aptiom is an anticonvulsant, or drug that is used to control seizures. Both Aptiom and Oxcarbazepine are converted to the same active compound within the body; therefore, the effects of the two drugs are very similar. It is believed that Aptiom works in cases of epilepsy by inhibiting nerve signals.

How do I take it?Aptiom is taken orally as a tablet once a day. You may take Aptiom with or without food. Aptiom tablets may be crushed or swallowed whole.

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are certain you understand how Aptiom affects you.

Aptiom may reduce the effectiveness of some forms of birth control, including oral contraceptives and implants. You may need to adopt another form of birth control while using Aptiom.

Drinking alcohol while taking Aptiom can intensify some side effects.

Do not stop taking Aptiom suddenly. If you decide to stop taking Aptiom, consult your physician for a plan to taper off gradually.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Aptiom.

ResultsEslicarbazepine (Aptiom) was approved by the FDA on the basis of three clinical trials. Based on the results of the clinical trials, researchers concluded that Eslicarbazepine is effective at reducing the frequency of partial seizures in adults.

Side effectsOlder adults may experience some side effects of Aptiom more intensely than other people.

Common side effects of Aptiom include sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, feeling unsteady on your feet, loss of coordination, headache, and double vision. Some of these side effects may fade as your body acclimates to Aptiom.

Call your doctor if you experience mood swings, changes in behavior, suicidal thoughts, chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, sores in your mouth or around your eyes, or chronic or recurrent infections while taking Aptiom.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions that, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, throat, eyes, lips or tongue.

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